ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – A longtime resident of East Hill has thrown his hat into the ring for Ithaca’s Common Council.

David Shapiro announced his intention to run for the 4-year seat in the 3rd Ward Democratic Primary. He’s spent the last 12 years in nonprofit executive leadership roles in the area. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Second Wind cottages in Newfield, a local organization that builds homes for unhoused people in Tompkins County. The role has made Shapiro keenly aware of housing affordability issues, and the need to create better policy to address the problem.

Shapiro also recognizes the challenges neighborhoods in the 3rd Ward face.

“Like Fall Creek, South Hill and East Hill are walkable neighborhoods anchored by Elementary Schools,” said Shapiro. “Residents are a vibrant mix of homeowners, longtime renters, and students. Both face challenges from developers who view our neighborhoods as prime locations for expensive rentals geared to students. I will be a strong advocate for the zoning and street safety measures essential to encourage young family and local home ownership, that allow for our aging and retired homeowners to continue to keep up with tax increases, and as an advocate for affordability in our rental market.”

Shapiro pledged to work in tackling citywide issues that face Ithaca as a whole, like policing, sustainability, and staffing and compensation for city employees.

“We need to ensure a well-compensated and fully staffed work force across all municipal agencies. We need to complete the work of Re-Imagining our police force. We must squarely meet the challenge of climate change. If elected, I hope to engage and participate in each of these complex challenges, but more so with my ears and less dictated by my own opinion or agenda.”

Shapiro is the second candidate to enter the race, after Dr. Nathan Sitaraman announced his candidacy earlier this week.